Most folks know, money can’t buy happiness. That attaching value to items tends to lead to only wanting more, bigger and better things, in a unending cycle of dissatisfaction. Which isn’t to say wanting things is bad. But what if money could buy happiness? As it turns out, money can buy happiness (sort of).
A recent study concluded that spending money on others can boost our own happiness. Which, if you think about it, makes perfect sense. Stopping at your local coffee house to pick up a cup of java, doesn’t necessarily make you any happier. Okay, maybe it does. Look, let’s just pretend it doesn’t make you that much happier. There’s no need to be difficult! What if you spent that same amount of money on a cupcake for a friend, coworker, or even a stranger. Can you imagine how much that might brighten someone’s day?
I mean, I know it’s cliche to say “it’s the thought that counts” but it’s true. Thoughts count! Little things add up. After all, it really isn’t about the money at all. It’s about the intentions behind it. Someone’s willingness to share. Someone’s thoughtfulness to think of you. Someone going out of their way, even just a little bit, to cheer you on.
So, can money buy you happiness? Sort of. But not really. You know what can buy happiness? Sharing.
